The San Diego Civil War Round Table, thanks to the generosity of its members, is sponsoring a student research essay contest in association with the History Department of San Diego State University and Dr. Edward Blum.

The criteria given are as follows: essays will be of no more than 5,000 words and will be judged on originality and clarity of thesis, quality of writing, and effective use of primary sources. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, the origins of the war, military strategies, experiences of soldiers and civilians, political/economic considerations, foreign policy aspects, and postwar impacts. Submissions are due by December 15th.

The contest winner will be decided by three incredible historians/educators as jurists: Brian Steel Wills, Wade Sokolosky and our President, Gordon Gidlund.

Brian Wills is the former Director of the Center for the Study of the Civil War Era and was a Professor of History at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. In addition to leading tours, offering lectures, and conducting programs, Dr. Wills is the award-winning author of a large body of books relating to the Civil War, including biographies of generals Nathan Bedford Forrest, William Dorsey Pender and George Henry Thomas. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond, Virginia, and the University of Georgia.

Wade Sokolosky is the Executive Director of the Blue and Gray Education Society, a group dedicated the study of Civil War history, including lead-up causes and effects. BGES organizes battlefield studies, similar to military staff rides, led by expert historians and are passionate about battle site interpretation and signage. A former Army officer, Wade holds a master’s degree in Military Art and Science, Military History from the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College. He has published a number of books on subjects that include Sherman’s Carolinas campaign from Fayetteville to Averasboro and North Carolina’s Confederate hospitals.

Gordon Gidlund is an attorney and life-long student of the Civil War, as well as an active member of a number of regional Civil War Round Tables. He is also Secretary of the San Diego Shakespeare Society and a former Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law. He is the current President and Program Director of the San Diego Civil War Round Table.

San Diego Civil War Round Table is a registered nonprofit, EIN: 31-1627297.